Edafología. Volumen 7-3. Septiembre 2000. pág 209-216.

Abstract

A Geographical Information System (GIS) it is, above all, a powerful tool for storage and manipulation of geographical data. The GIS systems allow to integrate several operations commons in data bases systems, with the visualisation and geographical analysis provided by the use of maps. This system is distinct of the other information systems once allowed an expedite and effective interpretation of the data. The main goal of this work is to present a brief characterisation of the Caia Irrigation Perimeter, in aspects as slope gradient; topographic position; stoniness; useful depth; water table depth; hydromorphic features; drainage; land use and vegetation; irrigated or not irrigated crop system. With such purpose, the 12.500 ha constitute the irrigation perimeter and adjacent areas were subdivided in squares with 11,1 ha area, and in each one of them, has been assemble the most important information about the referred parameters. Than this information were worked with a GIS System, culminating in the elaboration of same maps for the different parameters in analysis. In this work we also point out the potentialities of GIS system in the interpretation and presentation of the data, give as an example the calculation of potential beet (Beta vulgaris) production areas, according with slope gradient, stoniness, hydromorphic features, drainage and irrigated or not irrigated crop system.

Key Words: Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Irrigation, Land, Evaluation,